Mtaa Buzz – Page 8 – Mukuru Youth Initiative

29Mar, 2023

Financial Literacy – A Need For Young People!

*Participants during Coffee Bar Session.* Photo: Evans Jomo

What are some of the financial/saving plans that are there? Do you think this information is accessible to young people out there? Do you think young people have information on where they can invest their money and gain returns? These questions created a baseline for our conversation and answered questions on how young people can tap into some of the plans and be able to have financial freedom and gains. If you take a walk around asking young people what kind of bank accounts they have or own, the majority of them have no idea on the type of account they have.

We asked the same question to our participants during the coffee bar and to confirm this, 19 people do have bank accounts and only 4 have an idea of what type of account they have. The four have a salary account, fixed account credit account and savings account. For your information, the majority of banks have different accounts such as salary accounts, savings accounts, fixed accounts, recurring deposit accounts, money market accounts, and brokerage accounts among others. Keep in mind these types of accounts vary from one bank to another.

There are several reasons why most young people do not invest their money with lack of jobs and lack of information on financial literacy being among the top reasons. Many young people don’t have any money left over to invest because of their lifestyle. However, even the employed don’t have or understand how and where to invest their small money thus why this financial literacy was the topic of the day.

Here are some of the financial and savings plans where young people can tap in to.

Savings Account

A savings account is an account where your money earns you interest. The safety and reliability of these accounts make them great options for parking cash you wish to keep available for short-term needs. You can make your hard-earned money work for you with a savings account with one of the best bank interest rates in Kenya. Interest is based on the day-end balances in the savings account and interest rate varies from 1% to 7%. The interest rate will be determined by your bank, money saved and period.

Fixed Deposit Account

A fixed deposit account is an investment account where a customer deposits a specified amount of money for a certain/fixed period of time. Through this, the fixed amount accumulates interests for the period the money is held in the account. Fixed deposits are almost the same as savings accounts. The only difference is you cannot access your money for an agreed fixed period like one, three, six months or a year. Different banks allow KShs 20,000 as a minimum fixing amount. Your savings can earn you between 4% – 7% for the period locked. The interest rate will be determined by your savings, your bank and period fixed.

Money Market Funding

A money market fund is a type of interest-earning savings account. Before investing elsewhere or making an anticipated investment, money market funds are a good place to park money. They are not suitable as long-term investments. Among investment options, money market funds are considered to be extremely low-risk. They also offer relatively high returns to investors compared t traditional savings accounts. Most Money Market Fundings offer returns on investments ranging from 7.0% to 10.6% annually. The interests also vary from one financial institution to another.

Treasury Bills

Treasury bills are short-term investment or units; in simple words these are debts also known as government debt, meaning that you are investing in the Kenyan Government. They offer you returns after a relatively short commitment of funds. This means that investors choose the amount that they will receive when the bill matures, or the face value of the bill, and pay less than that amount when purchasing it. Treasury bills mature in 91, 182 or 364 days, so you will receive your returns within three, six or 12 months. The first step to investing in Treasury bills is to open a CDS account with the Central Bank. To open a CDS account, you need to hold a bank account with a Kenyan commercial bank. Read more Here

Treasury Bonds

Treasury bonds are a secure, medium- to long-term investment and are units of government debt, meaning that you are investing in the Kenyan Government. They offer you interest payments every six months throughout the bond’s maturity. The Central Bank auctions Treasury bonds on a monthly basis, but offers a variety of bonds throughout the year, so prospective investors should regularly check for upcoming auctions. Treasury bonds are auctioned every month, providing ample investment opportunities for diverse financial needs. Treasury bonds are offered for a set amount of years, ranging, to date, from one to 30 years. The difference between bills and bonds and timeframe. Read more here

Sacco

A Sacco is usually a group of similar minded people, registered by the Ministry of Cooperatives, and authorized to receive deposits and provide loans to members. This is also a savings plan that is more conducive to young people since it doesn’t require much money as savings. Members are required to save consistently and this, in turn cultivates the discipline of saving frequently. Some Saccos also have a minimum monthly savings amount that is aimed at helping members keep up with their savings goals. The beauty of sacco is you are able to get dividends at the end of the sacco’s financial year. Some saccos offer dividends of between 6% – 18% per share; keeping in mind this varies from one sacco to another. The other benefit is you are able to access a loan 3 times your savings, meaning if you have saved Kshs 30,000, you are able to access 90,000. However, the saccos also have their other bad side such that you need a guarantor for you to get a loan.

Shares

Owning a share is the same as owning a piece of the company. When you buy a share in a company, you’re effectively becoming a part owner of that company. Its true that young people are not investing because they do not understand the process involved with buying/selling shares and how the market works. The Nairobi Securities Exchange is the official stock exchange in Kenya. It is the central marketplace where buyers and sellers of Kenyan shares meet to trade. Ndindi Nyoro started buying Kenya Power and Lighting Company shares in his first year at Kenyatta University. Currently, he is the top individual shareholder meaning it’s possible for young people to join this investment venture. People buy shares to make a profit from buying and selling securities and to earn dividends and capital gains from being a shareholder. You must also know that when buying a share of a company, you must be ready to share both losses and profits together.

MShwari

This is a savings account but being hosted by Safaricom. It allows M-Shwari customers to save for a defined purpose and for a period of time. There’s a difference between Mshwari and Mshwari Lock Savings and in this case our focus is on the lock savings. The funds saved on the M-Shwari Lock Savings will be kept in the account until the maturity date. The M-Shwari Lock Savings Account is ideal for customers looking for higher interest rates and those wishing to keep money away safely for a short period. Majority of us do save money on the normal Mshwari where it doesn’t give you any interest. The Mshwari Lock savings account earns an interest between 5% – 7% per annum. The interest rate is constant during the investment period and is calculated daily and paid out at maturity. Read More Here

Disclaimer: This is not from a financial expert but from research and reference from people already doing it.

As a young person, you need to learn how to make money while you are sleeping and make your money work for you. The sooner you start investing, the better for you. It’s also good to note that some of these financial plans need more advice and due diligence before investing in them. Keeping in mind there is no guarantee that you’ll make money from investments you make.

It is better to start early, even if it is a small amount to start with. But getting the facts on saving and investing and following through with a well outlined plan, as a young person you should be able to gain financial security over the years and enjoy the benefits of managing your money. We also challenge financial institutions to work with young people in disseminating such information. See you on Tuesday!

22Mar, 2023

Childhood Trauma – Do you Remember it?

*Participants during coffee bar.* Photo: Julius Rasat

What you went through as a child could play a huge role in what you do, how you react, how you behave or even how you talk as a person. This week’s #CoffeeBarTuesday, our discussion changed to group therapy where we shared some of the traumatic events that went through or witnessed while we were young. At one point or another, we all have been through a traumatic event that we have never shared or it still bothers and hurts us. Some of these traumatic events have made society normalize, passing them to generations.

A traumatic event is a frightening, dangerous, or violent event that poses a threat to a child’s life or bodily integrity. Witnessing a traumatic event that threatens the life or physical security of a loved one can also be traumatic. This is particularly important for young children as their sense of safety depends on the perceived safety of their attachment figures. Source NCTSN

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that 40 million children aged below 15 years fall victim to violence each year. Save the Children, a non governmental organization did publish a document having 700 cases of sexual abuse of children in a single country. These are just not numbers but children who have gone through traumatic events.

Another example given was, if you grew up with a single parent because one left or died, this will affect your decision making when it comes to marriage. You will get someone going through much hurt because they don’t want their children to experience what they went through. This has affected so many people to a point they would rather experience any form of sexual and gender based violence than leave the toxic relationship.

Some of the traumatic events known to many include physical, sexual, or psychological abuse, neglect, loss of a loved one, family or relationship violence, accidents, sickeness, undergone FGM, and family breakups. The traumas vary according to the severity of the violence and the child’s personal experience which in the long run can have medical and psychosocial consequences.

During the discussion, we were able to note that some of the traumatic events such as family violence/gender based violence contributes to our way of life. I.e one participant pointed out that if they witness any form of gender based violence they always intervene with violence. This has affected their lives to a point they can’t control themselves. Research indicates that children who grow or witness violence are more likely to beat up their partners when they become adults compared to those who grew up in non-violent homes.

We all have been through so much that we have normalized it and adapted it as our way of life. During the discussion, everyone had their own different story to a point some became emotional while sharing. This clearly shows we are not okay and there’s a need to seek help. Imagine passing what you went through to your children because you never seek help. In case you would like to share or talk to a counselor, kindly reach out through our social media platforms or visit offices in Mukuru Kwa Reuben. It’s okay not to be okay. See you on Tuesday!

16Mar, 2023

How Are Young People Surviving? High Cost Of Living!

*Partcipants during Coffee Bar Tuesday*. Photo: Evans Jomo

With the current high cost of living, how are people surviving? How are young people surviving? How are they coping and do they have coping mechanisms? What opportunities are there for young people? Our #CoffeeBarDiscussion focused on how young people are surviving during these hard times. Young people lead with the high rate of unemployment, crime rate, drug and substance abuse, early pregnancies among other social vices.

Business Daily indicates that of the 10.1 million Kenyans out of jobs, 2.5 million are actively looking for work while 7.6 million are inactive, either because they don’t need jobs or have given up looking for them. With sluggish corporate earnings leading to job cuts and hiring freezes, young people are the hardest hit by joblessness compared to their older counterparts.

Out of the 26 participants during the discussion, 3 are fully employed, 4 are self-employed, 2 are doing casual jobs while the rest don’t have anywhere specific to get their daily bread. As one participant shared, they survive by the Grace of God. This translates to the state of young people not being able to access opportunities which are there and also the government not being able to create more job opportunities.

We asked the 15 how they are surviving and here are some of the response they gave :- 1 survives by making sure they cut their expenditures remaining with only basic needs, 9 survive by looking for manual jobs, 2 a survive through their parents support since they are students, 2 survive through support from friends and 1 survives by making sure that he’s single. One of the participants believes that being single is one way of cutting costs and avoiding unnecessary spending.

“Being single means I don’t have someone expecting me to take them out on dates, means no one is expecting me to buy them gifts or pay anything for them. I only cater for my needs and wants only”

After understanding how young people are surviving, the conversation continued through participants sharing opportunities where others can apply or engage with. This was through platforms, job opportunities, vacancies and openings at different companies and organizations. We also shared how to protect our mental health especially for those who don’t have a way of making a living, it’s very easy to find a coping mechanism and that is how you get yourself indulging and engaging in social vices and becoming an addict or losing yourself in the process.

We have seen young people losing their lives because of how they are making their living. Young people are at a very high risk of engaging in crime activities in order to make a living. Some have lost lives through crime, where they steal and get mob justice or being shot, others have engaged in reckless drug and substance abuse as a coping mechanism and through that they are not able to get back on track.

We are happy that through the Coffee bar Tuesday space, participants were able to understand some platforms where they can earn some cash such as social media platforms and apps like Wowzi for those in the social media space. We also shared other job opportunities and vacancies in different companies and organizations where participants were encouraged to apply.

Through the discussion, it’s clear that young people don’t have information on some of the opportunities surrounding them. It’s also clear that we all look for opportunities from high end people and companies without utilizing the people close to us. It’s also evident that opportunities are there but the spaces to share those opportunities are scarce and are not accessible to and by everyone.

We also urged participants to engage in learning or perfecting a skill that would employ them. As an organization, we believe in creating space where young people can share opportunities and connect them with the opportunities. We also believe that through employment, young people will not engage themselves in social vices and it aligns with our organization’s vision – to have a community that is free from social vices and youths who are focused on seeing the community develop both socially and economically. See you on Tuesday!

9Mar, 2023

What’s The Difference Between PEP and PrEP?

*Participants during Coffee Bar Tuesday. Photo Courtesy: Julius Rasat*

Do you think you are at risk of contracting HIV? This question was the topic of the discussion with the majority of the participants stating that they are not at risk of being infected. The #CoffeeBarSession hosted young people from Mukuru with PEP and PrEP being at the center of the discussion.

How many times have you heard of a condom bursting? How many times have you had sexual intercourse with multiple partners? How many times have you heard of rape cases? Does that put you at risk?

PEP and PrEP discussion came at a better time when young people are not aware of how they work and the difference. Out of 27 participants, 25 have never heard of these types of medicines. This is a clear indication that there’s less information and this is also a contributing factor on the rise of HIV infections among young people.

We dwelled in understanding the difference between the two drugs and also who is at risk of getting HIV with a lot of people getting confused and shocked that there are actually medicines that can prevent HIV. 7 people have heard of PEP since its usually given after someone has been exposed through sexual assault such as rape. The difference between Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is one is taken before exposure while the other is taken after you have been exposed.

How is it possible that we have a drug that protect us and the drug is not known to many, do they want us to get infected or what is their own motive.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is antiretroviral medicine taken by HIV negative individuals to prevent getting HIV. If you don’t have HIV but have a high risk of contracting the virus, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may be an option for you. Taking this medication once a day can greatly reduce your chances of developing HIV.

PrEP is for you if have had anal or vaginal sex in the past 6 months, you have a sexual partner who is HIV positive, you have not consistently used a condom or have been diagnosed with an STD in the past 6 months. This type of medicine is meant for people who don’t live with HIV but have higher chances of developing the condition.

PEP better known as post-exposure prophylaxis, is a short course of HIV medicines taken very soon after a possible exposure to HIV to prevent the virus from taking hold in your bodyThe medicine must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) after a possible exposure to HIV, or it won’t work. The drug is usually taken on emergency cases and is not meant for regular use by people who may be exposed to HIV frequently.

A lady participant pointed out that with the help of organization within Mukuru and beyond have in the frontline of sensitizing women and girls on PrEP and PEP leaving men and boys out the conversation. It was also noted that condom is the most used way of protecting yourself from being infected. However, majority were not aware that as soon as the condom bursts, you are also at risk of being infected.

Different reports indicate that people below 29 years are at higher risk of contracting the virus. Kenya may not achieve its quest to combat HIV/Aids if the current wave of new infections among adolescents and the youth is not contained and addressed. The first step is making sure that New HIV infections are contained by is by making sure information such as PrEP and PEP is not known out there. There’s need to have a vigorous campaign on PEP and PrEP. Young girls are being sexually violated and are not aware of any medication that would protect them from HIV.

We are all at risk of getting HIV, especially young people. Looking at the rate of teenage pregnancies and infections, we all need to take PrEP. Remember prevention is better than cure. In case you hear someone has been raped or a condom bursts, visit the office immediately.

As an organization, we continue to create safe spaces where young people can unlearn and learn. We believe in community that is well empowered and understands how the world its changing. Kindly note that the information shared here is not from a doctor. You need to visit the hospital for information and guidance. See you on Tuesday!

3Feb, 2023

MHUB Producer Misee

Music on safe hands

The MuYI Hub Studio offers a space for recording podcasts, voiceovers, and other audio projects at an affordable price. The studio is equipped with the necessary technology and equipment to ensure high-quality recordings. Our Head studio producer, Misee, will be available to assist with any technical needs and to ensure that your recording session runs smoothly. Book your slot at the MuYI Hub Studio today to get started on your audio project.

Misee is a highly experienced and skilled professional in the audio production industry. His extensive background in various roles within the industry, as well as his work with notable artists, make him well-suited to lead the MuYI Hub Studio and provide high-quality recordings for clients. The MuYI Hub Studio, under Misee’s guidance, offers an affordable option for recording podcasts, voiceovers, and other audio projects for anyone looking for a professional studio space.

In addition to his professional experience and expertise, Misee’s passion for music and the industry make him a valuable asset to the MuYI Hub Studio. His background in teaching and lecturing also means that he is well-suited to work with and mentor young, aspiring audio professionals in the Mukuru community. Misee’s dedication to transforming the music industry in a positive way aligns with the mission of MuYI to empower and support young change makers in the community.

He’s very passionate in making sure upcoming artists understand the music industry as a business, the laws governing it and ways in which they can improve their music career. At the MuYI Hub Studio we guarantee you the best output using your vision as an artist. We bring knowledge, experience, professionalism and quality to your music.We are located at the Reuben Stadium in Mukuru Kwa Reuben.

2Feb, 2023

How Do You Manage Expectations In A Relationship?

*Coffee Bar Discussions. Photo: Julius Rasat*

Have you ever wondered if your expectations in a relationship are too high or even too low? We all begin a relationship with expectations of being treated with kindness, love, affection, dignity, respect and so much more. But is that the reality? This week’s Coffee Bar Tuesday, we focused on what to do if your expectations are not met and how to manage them in a relationship?

Your expectations in a relationship tell more about the other person and how serious the relationship is. Your expectations also answers questions such as is the person you are dating really the one? Is the person you’re dating serious about you, or should you leave the long-term relationship you’ve held onto. Your expectation should not tolerate any emotional or physical abuse. In the end, you expect your partner to be loyal and make a life together.

With the discussion being led by young people who are usually the culprits of expecting more than the other party can deliver or fulfill. We started by asking, what do you expect in a relationship? Different people with different expectations, some of the expectations pointed out were respect, honesty, caring, love, empathy, support, someone being there for you, physical intimacy, clear communication, friendship among others.

A participant highlighted how expectations can shape dynamics, influence tone, and cultivate a sense of safety and support within a relationship. Other participants felt that having to lower expectations will protect you from any misunderstandings or conflicts. It was also pointed out that any relationship with zero expectations is not a relationship but more of a friendship.

Setting healthy and realistic expectations can keep you and your partner happy. It is unfair to burden your partner with too much than they can deliver. However, it is also good to have a few expectations that do not harm your relationship in any way. We have seen people losing track of being diagnosed with mental illness and disorders as a result of relationship break ups.

“Most crucial expectation from my partner is support. Nowadays, we are in a relationship with someone but can’t even count the number of places or situations that they have helped you.” Participant Said

It is only human to have certain expectations in a relationship but managing them is where the problem starts from. When it comes to managing expectations, the only way to go about it is through open and honest communication. Here are some of tips on how to manage expectations:

Communication and support: Good and clear communication is essential in any relationship. Being able to share what you expect from each other will help in understanding each other’s needs and building a strong bond.
Lowering your expectations: Having less or manageable expectations will save you from heartbreaks, emotional breakdown and even mental illness. Majority of us expect so much without thinking about the other person.
Someone with the same energy; Relationships should be enjoyable, and partners should make time for fun, adventure, and new experiences together. This cannot happen if you two don’t have the same energy towards some things.
Have reasonable expectations: You should not hold your partner or your relationship to unrealistic expectations. Your expectations should match what you can also deliver. I.e. It may be detrimental to the relationship to expect your partner to spend all their free time with you.

You will build a healthy relationship If both of you are open and willing to discuss your expectations from each other. You should be honest with your partner about the expectations you can meet and those that you will need more time to meet and that’s how you build a relationship together. Remember, every relationship is unique and individual expectations may vary. This is not professional advice but advice from people who have/are in relationships. See you on Tuesday.

27Jan, 2023

Our Music Professional Producer Misee

Music on safe hands

25Jan, 2023

Kenyan Men Have An Average of 7 Sexual Partners – Report

*Participants during Coffee Bar Tuesday. Photo: Julius Rasat*

The Kenya National Bureau Of Statistics launched the Kenya Demographic & Health Survey 2022 report which has sparked conversations in different settings and contexts. Our discussion for this week’s Coffee bar Tuesday focused on the report launched specifically on sexual partners. The report indicates that the average number of sexual partners among Kenyan men is 7.4 and 2.3 for Kenyan Women in their lifetime.

The report also indicates that 35 percent of men reported having sex in the last 12 months with a person who neither was their wife nor lived with them, and 68% of these men reported using a condom during their last sexual intercourse with such a partner. In terms of age, those aged 20-24 had the highest percentage (5.8%) of sexual partners, followed by those aged 15-29 and 30-39.

Do you think the numbers are low or high? Do you think the report touches on Kenyan context (both city and urban set up?? These were some of the guiding questions during the discussion with the majority feeling that the report wasn’t true and was somehow biased. A participant pointed out that the numbers should be higher than the ones quoted. Other participants felt that the study was conducted by a woman and that is why the numbers on women are low. Supporting his opinion, he cited that in this era, women have men for every need and want such as rent, hair, foodstuffs, makeup, treats, shopping and accessories.

”You will get a lady who has all her needs sorted by men. She has different men for rent, foodstuffs, accessories, treats and so much more. That study was not done in a city set up.” Participants said

A participant felt that women who were interviewed were not purely honest unlike their counterparts who were brutally honest. The numbers on women should be more than is being quoted on the survey report. In a survey of more than 20 participants, half thought the information shared seemed abstract. With men also being at the center of the topic, a participant pointed out that the number of sexual partners that men have should be more than 7. Adding that there are known men who have more than sexual partners.

With all the statistics being shared out there, we are not drawing enough attention to the number of teenage pregnancies, the number of new HIV infections or the number of cases of sexual and gender based violence. Majority of these are as a result of having multiple sexual partners. Old men are having sex with small girls and old women are sleeping with small boys. Young people are also having multiple sexual partners due to different reasons.

We asked what could be the reason why people are having multiple sexual partners and here are some of the reasons raised: –

Sex is too available much available
Sex nowadays used for leisure
People no longer value relations
Poverty – Having to cater for basic needs
People are looking for satisfaction and exploring sexual fetishes
There are a lot of trust issues,
People are idle and sex is the only thing to keep them busy
Contraceptives are too available
Availability of PREP
Peer Pressure

In the end we all agreed some of these “reasons” can be overlooked but they can lead to consequences that will hunt you in future. Illiteracy, childhood marriage, sex addiction, Hiv/STI infections, unwanted pregnancies, cycle of poverty continue and it can lead to mental health issues. As a country, there’s a lot we need to do to curb the increasing numbers in teenage pregnancies, HIV infections and childhood marriages. As young people, we must change the current trending and set good example for ourselves and the coming generation. See you on Tuesday!

15Dec, 2022

Protecting Your Mental Health During Holidays

*Participants during Coffee Bar Session. Photo: Julius Rasat*

December is mostly referred to as mwezi ya sherehe (party month) but not too many due to financial status, family status or not a priority. This week’s #CoffeeBarTuesday focused on how we can protect our mental health during this festive season. During December, many people travel upcountry to share the festive season with their families, friends and neighbors. However, so much has happened this year affecting our lives such as losing our loved ones, losing jobs, lost friends, families broken up amongst others. With all these happenings, it clearly shows that the majority of us will be mentally unstable not unless we act.

Our discussion started with understanding how many of us will be traveling up country for this festive season and how that would make you feel if you’re going anywhere. Majority of the participants pointed out that they are not going upcountry due to reasons that are out of their control. Reports done showed that 64% of people with mental illness report holidays make their conditions worse.

One of the participants pointed out that he lost his grandma early this year, she was the backbone of the family and through her they were able to meet every end of the year. But with her passing this year, no one is talking about going up the country since there’s no one to visit. Another participant shared that after his father’s death, they are no longer planning to have anything since their father was more of a convener of the family. Other reasons pointed out include the hike price of transport, all family members are in Nairobi and not being able to cater for everyone’s needs especially for the firstborns.

“My grandma was the reason why we all went to upcountry, after she passed away, we have no plans of having any get together meetings as of now.” Participant Said

Connecting these experiences and childhood, most families used to cook chapatis and others would slaughter a goat or chicken and then there are those who didn’t even have a meal for the day. This affected the majority of us to a point we stopped visiting our neighbors. During times of cheeriness, not feeling as enthusiastic as others can be stigmatizing. Not being able to match the same level as your friends, family or colleagues can really affect your mental state resulting in you finding a coping mechanism which at the end affects your mental state. We have seen people becoming drunkards day in and day out during this festive season and it could be they are fighting something that we don’t know about. Being left out is something that is not easy to comprehend and this is where you start abusing drugs and substance or you become an introvert.

“As someone who my family looks up to, I am not in a position to spend time with my family due to financial constraints. I am expected to cater for my sisters and brothers transport to upcountry which is currently at KShs 3000 per person.” Participant said

With our focus being how we can protect our mental state, we pointed out a few ways that would help in protecting your mental health. Here are some suggestions on how you can reduce stress and maintain good mental health during this festive season. However, it’s good to note that this may not work on everyone and it’s not professional advice.

Don’t Compare Yourself with anyone.

It is easy to compare your situation to others’ especially if you have lost a loved one or a job one which increases feelings of loneliness or sadness. If you see people having fun and you don’t have the same energy, then it’s okay to leave the place and get to do something else that you love such as walking, reading a book, sleeping, watching movies or documentaries.

Know And Understand Your Limitations.

It’s always advisable to accept your limitations and be patient with others too. You should prioritize the most important activities or schedule activities for after the holidays: It is important to learn how to say “no” when you are overwhelmed by social obligations and demands made on you by others. With the bus fare hike, you shouldn’t force yourself to travel if you don’t have money. Remember that there’s life after the festive season.

Try Not To Feel Alone or Isolated

It’s true that many of us have friends and family to spend time with during the holiday season, but it’s also possible to become isolated during this time. If someone close to you has recently died or you can’t be with loved ones for other reasons, realize that it’s normal to feel sadness and grief. It’s okay to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season. You can also take advantage of other ways to connect such calling, texting, emailing and social media.

Have a Budget

With so much happening, always have a budget. This will help in controlling your expenses and also protects your mental state. Before you do food shopping or kuchafua meza, decide how much money you can afford to spend, then stick to your budget. Don’t try to buy happiness with gifts. Don’t overspend trying to impress your family or friends, remember life continues after the festive season.

Be Careful With Your Actions

Keeping in mind that everyone is not like you, try to accept family members and friends as they are. If someone gets upset or distressed when something goes wrong, be accommodating and understanding. Keep grievances off until a more appropriate time for discussion. Most likely, they are also experiencing holiday stress and depression. However, if you feel their actions are affecting your mental state, it’s okay to leave and focus on something else constructive.

Seeking Spiritual Help

If you are a spiritual person, this would also be a good time to spend time in your church or reading a Bible. Majority stating that spending time in church makes them feel a higher sense of purpose, peace, hope and meaning. Spirituality can help you deal with stress by giving you a sense of peace.

Regardless of your plans, its important to share with your family, friends and colleagues on your plans.

This festive season, be kind to yourself and put your mental and physical well-being first. Don’t let holidays become something draining you mentally. Instead, take steps that will protect you and others. Also, avoid excessive tobacco, alcohol and drug use. Happy Holidays and See you on Tuesday!

1Dec, 2022

The Role Of Young People In Ending SGBV

Sexual and gender-based violence remain a major challenge that the world is facing today. Sexual offences have adverse effects that derails social and economic development of an individual and that of a country. A report indicates that as a country we use close to 46 billion Kenyan shillings annually in addressing SGBV. With these figures, it surely shows that there is a high prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence in Kenya.

With the commemoration of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, our #CoffeeBarTuesday discussion focused on what we can do as young people in prevention, response and documentation of cases of sexual and gender-based violence – more so on prevention. With young people also being part of the conversation will help in decreasing cases that usually involve their peers.

The conversation touched on what the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence stands for and its main objective which is to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and runs until 10 December which is a Human Rights Day.

It’s good to note that the majority of young people are not even aware of this commemoration and some think it’s a women thing – shows where to concentrate. It also shows there’s a lot that needs to be done in creating awareness amongst the young people. With better understanding of sexual and gender-based violence, its types and forms, it was easy to have a candid conversation on our roles as young people. Sexual violence can affect you mentally, emotionally, physically and psychologically.

Majority of young people believe that sexual and gender-based violence is mainly for the old generation and that’s why they keep off or rarely engaged on SGBV conversations.

“I can’t be raped by someone I call my wife or girlfriend, where does she even start? Furthermore, I can’t rape her since she’s mine, its my conjugal rights.” Participant said

Out of 10 young men, only 2 believe that they can be raped by their partner. The other 8 believe that there’s no way someone you have been married to can rape you since its their conjugal right. This clearly shows why intimate partner violence is underreported and there’s a need for communities to understand consent is crucial whether you’re in a relationship or not.

One thing that stood out during the conversations is young people understanding that having sex with an underage is an offence that is punishable by law. Majority were not aware that having sex with a 17-year-old whether she consented or not is also considered as an offence. We shared that under the Sexual offences Act, having sex with anyone below the age of 18 is a crime.

With our set up, we dwelled more on sexual and gender-based violence forms such as rape, defilement, intimate partner violence, sexual harassment, incest and female genital mutilation/cutting. An active bystander action is something that young people don’t involve themselves with. We emphasized on being an active bystander where you should be able to raise an alarm in case you witness someone being violated. That one action will be able to save that person who was about to be violated.

The issue of consent is something that also created a wide discussion with questions such as should I ask for consent from my wife or girlfriend? Why should I be arrested for having a relationship with a 16-year-old and they consented to it? Should we be arrested for having sexual relationship if we are cousins and we are all adults and consented? It was made clear that the law states that lack of consent qualifies one to have raped the other since there was no agreement. The Sexual Offences Act also defines incest as an act which causes penetration with a person who is to their knowledge, a relative.

“Why should I be arrested for having sex with a minor and what happens if she actually came to me? Nowadays its hard to know if someone is of age by looking at their body, people are having a good diet out here.” Participant said

At the end we all agreed that we have a role to play in ending sexual and gender-based violence. Some of key roles that we can play in ending sexual and gender based violence were :- continue creating more awareness on sexual violence among young people, not to be perpetrators, pushing the justice system to be accountable and follow the rule of law, engaging both women and men in these matters, raising your voice when someone is being violated such as someone having a relationship with a minor, not to a bystander of intimate partner violence and to always be careful since everyone is a potential perpetrator as well as a survivor. See you on Tuesday!